Why Do Experts Say that the Majority of Owning Smartphones in Adults is a Matter of Worry?

Smartphones are a must-have these days as they help make our lives more convenient. They help with communication and even work related too. But why is there a growing concern that smartphones, in the hands of adults, are becoming worrisome?

Smartphone use is becoming dangerous. (Photo credit: BBC.com)

In the United States, around 77% of mobile phone owners have smartphones. They use their devices for sending emails, playing games, work related tasks, and more. But this also raises their dependency on their smartphones to the point that they spend most of the time checking their phones rather than their personal relationship. What's more, it appears that there are physical as well as psychological effects of smartphones that we do not recognize. What are the effects of new and refurbished smartphones to adults? Let's find out.

Signs that You are Hooked on Your Smartphone

Most of us do not admit that we cannot live without our phones. If we we're open about it then we would have recognized the dangers that accompany smartphone usage. So, what exactly are the signs that you are hooked to your mobile phone?

• You constantly use your smartphone day in and day out.
• You cannot stop your cellphone usage no matter how you try.
• You use your device because you are fighting boredom.
• You are forgetting about your personal relationships because of your smartphone usage.
• You feel anxious and depressed when you don't have your device with you.

The Psychological Effects of Smartphones

Smartphones can have a psychological effect on teens and kids. (Photo credit: Today's Parent)

Experts have conducted several studies in the behavior of adults when it comes to their smartphone usage and so far, these are what they have discovered.

• Late night use of mobile devices affect sleep quantity and quality.
• Productivity levels have gone down because of lack of adequate sleep.
• Less engagement at work both in higher ups and regular employees.
• Energy levels are depleted because of late night mobile phone usage due to work.
• Stress levels are elevated particularly in those who use their phone for work since they cannot help but check their mobile phones even on rest days.
• There is the constant need to make connections through smartphones.
• Mental stress due to difficulty in disconnecting from their gadget because of work.

Additionally, there is a difference in terms of effects from smartphones to tablets to computers. It appears that the blue light coming from mobile devices tend to prevent melatonin production hence the difficulty in sleeping. And since the compact nature of mobile phones make them always on the go, they are easy to bring with us in our bedroom, office, or even in our trips with the family. The problem is that this puts a strain on family get together since the attention is on devices rather than the people.

How are Smartphones Affecting Teenagers?

Teens are in a vulnerable stage as they are no longer children but they aren't yet considered as full adults too. At this point they are prone to peer pressure and bullying which have been enhanced further by mobile phones. However, there are good and bad sides to having teens use their smartphone.

Pros:

• They keep in touch with their family and friends.
• They become more creative and confident about themselves through blogs, photography, and vlogs.
• They use their phones for school research, planning, and other tasks.
• Parents can monitor their whereabouts.

Cons:

• Prone to cyberbullying.
• Addiction to mobile phone usage.
• Lack of interpersonal as well as intrapersonal relationships.
• Lethargy and sedentary lifestyle.
• Prone to depression and anxiety.
• Secretive

There are teens who handle their phone usage like a pro meaning that they are able to handle it like adults. Some, however, need supervision by their parents. But how can parents know what is going on with their child especially at this stage? There are signs to watch out for.

• More withdrawn than normal.
• Changes in your child's or teen's behavior.
• Mood swings that are unusual for them.
• Lack of interest in family activities or their favorite hobbies.

When any of these signs appear, it is best that you approach your teen and talk to them. The sooner that you lend them a listening ear the better the chances of helping the navigate the dangers of mobile phone usage.

Children are in Danger Too
Parents can't help but say yes to their children when they asked for a mobile device. After all, all kids of their age do have one. Again there are pros and cons of allowing children to have one and these are:

Pros:

• Parents can keep tabs on their children thanks to GPS.
• They can foster communication skills with their age group and their elders.
• They can entertain themselves while on a road trip.
• They can take photos to enhance their creative side.

Cons:

• They are prone to cyberbullying.
• They can meet dangerous people online.
• They can access the web without adult supervision.
• They become shy when talking to people face to face.

Since children are more prone to being swayed to do new things, handing them their own phone can be dangerous until you teach them how to use it properly. As parents, you are the one who is responsible for their behaviour so if you want them to be able to use their gadget safely and correctly, then you have to show them the right way.

• Set down house rules when it comes to phone usage. Keep gadgets off the table during mealtimes. This will be applied to everyone at home.
• Instead of buying them pricey handsets, choose refurbished smartphones instead. This way, they will be cheap and will not hurt your pockets if they do end up breaking them.
• Put parental control over their devices so you will know who they have been talking to. This is important for children as parents can keep track of their activities and stop others from reaching them especially those who are suspicious.
• Engage them to conversations about their feelings and their school as they need someone who will listen to them. Helping them open up to you can protect her from doing something rash such as ending their own lives because of being bullied or for social media tests.

Are Smartphones Dangerous?

Are smartphones dangerous? (Photo credit: verywellmind.com)

As much as brand new and refurbished smartphones are useful to our daily lives, they do have a negative side to them. Knowing them can help us avoid them in the long run.

• Poor posture. That crick on the neck is a common issue with smartphone usage since we tend to bend our heads too much just to see our screens. Unfortunately, this also leads to other neck and back issues which can be avoided if you put up your phone within eye level. This way, you will still be able to maintain proper posture. If not, you can take a break every 20 minutes or so to help alleviate the strain from your neck.
• Hold it properly. Multitasking is in our nature but when you are using your device by pinning it between your neck and ear while doing someone else, it is best that you use earbuds or a wireless headset to refrain from hurting your neck muscles.
• Do not text while driving. This has been one of the biggest culprits of using smartphones that it has claimed lives already. This is one habit that you will need to break as distracted driving can harm not just you but others as well.
• Blue light. The light coming from your phone's screen is called blue light which can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm. Avoiding phone use while you are in bed at night is useful to make you fall asleep better.
• Don't call while walking. Avoid taking calls while you are walking as this will make you distracted. This puts you at risk of bumping to people or not being able to see incoming traffic. If you receive a call, make sure that you stop and finish it before you move around.

Refurbished Smartphones can be a Good Tool

It is indeed worrisome that adults are becoming hooked to their devices. But if you weigh it's advantages, you will see that it can be used for the good. Of course, there is the ongoing debate as to whether buying brand new is better than refurbished. Well, if you want the latest device then buying a new device is highly recommended. On the other hand, if you are fine with just about anything, then refurbished smartphones are better.

Refurbished mobile phones are great to use as they are cheap and they come in variety of designs and styles too. You can get mobile phones that are recent but at low prices over here. Of course, how you are going to use it is entirely a different matter. Refurbished phones are just cheaper options that give you value for your money especially when you choose those that are in pristine condition. 

They can also be the perfect tool for teaching your teens and children the effects of mobile phones and how to use them the right way.